The Dolphins have cemented their status as genuine premiership contenders after a dominant 48-10 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. The win, witnessed by 20,687 fans, was the Dolphins' sixth consecutive triumph and propelled them into fourth place on the ladder, leapfrogging their opponents.
Katoa shines after Origin camp stint
Halfback Isaiya Katoa, who had been on standby for NSW Blues playmaker Mitchell Moses during the week, returned to club duty with a masterful performance. His halves partner Kodi Nikorima was equally impressive, showcasing why he deserves a contract extension beyond 2026.
The Roosters were dealt early blows, losing debutant centre Reece Foley and five-eighth Hugo Savala to head knocks in the first half. Despite a spirited start, the visitors trailed 12-0 at halftime before the Dolphins ran riot with six second-half tries.
Both sides were significantly impacted by State of Origin commitments, with the Roosters missing seven players to NSW and Queensland camps, while five Dolphins were in Melbourne with the Maroons.
First-half action
The Roosters began with intent but had a try to forward Solesi Foketi disallowed for a double movement. Dolphins co-captain Katoa then stepped up, using a subtle dummy to deceive opposite number Daly Cherry-Evans and open the scoring.
Dolphins points-scoring whiz Jamayne Isaako, who injured a hand in the final play of the game, converted to equal Canterbury legend Steve Gearin's all-time premiership record by scoring in his 94th consecutive match.
The kamikaze running of pocket rocket fullback Trai Fuller got the Dolphins rolling, setting up a try out wide to centre Herbie Farnworth, his sixth of the season.
Second-half onslaught
The Dolphins started the second half superbly, with Katoa and Nikorima combining. Second-rower Oryn Keely split the defence to send Fuller in for his first try of the year.
Katoa's inch-perfect chip for Nikorima to score his 50th NRL try was scintillating. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King barged over from close range, Farnworth split the defence to send second-rower Connelly Lemuelu over, and winger Tevita Naufahu's kick inside for utility Brad Schneider was a pearler.
Naufahu's 100m chase to deny Roosters fullback Cody Ramsey a try revealed the Dolphins' resolve in defence.
Roosters' bright spots
Despite the heavy defeat, the Roosters had some positives. Debutant winger Rex Bassingthwaighte, just 19, looked every bit the talent he has been touted as with a try, dynamic bursts and all-round nice touches.
The loss of Savala meant the Roosters had a third debutant in the match, with playmaker Toby Rodwell, 20, coming on in the second half and scoring a try to showcase his class.
